Her Story
About Roxana
Roxana Escobar Kariyannis is the Founder and President of NAWI, a technology-driven firm specializing in 3D LiDAR scanning, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Art Curation. With an exceptional career spanning architecture, structural engineering and project management, she combines creative vision with technical expertise to deliver innovative solutions for complex renovation and infrastructure projects. Her multidisciplinary background enables her to bridge design, engineering, and digital documentation while helping clients improve project planning, efficiency, and execution. Prior to founding NAWI, Kariyannis built more than two decades of leadership experience with internationally recognized engineering firms, including AECOM and Jacobs. She held progressively senior leadership roles in project management, vertical transportation, operations, resource management, and strategic planning, contributing to numerous high-profile infrastructure and building projects, including the World Trade Center PATH Terminal. She earned a Bachelor of Architecture, Cum Laude, from the New York Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Structural Engineering from Manhattan University. She is also a licensed architect in El Salvador and holds OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification. Passionate about developing the next generation of industry professionals, Kariyannis serves on the Executive Committee of the ACE Mentor Program of Greater New York and on the Board of Trustees of The Waldorf School of Garden City, where she mentors aspiring architects, engineers, and construction professionals. She is an advocate for lifelong learning, resilience, and servant leadership, believing that knowledge, hands-on experience, and mentorship are the keys to lasting success. Through her work, volunteer leadership, and commitment to innovation, Roxana continues to make a meaningful impact on the architecture, engineering, and construction industry while inspiring future leaders to pursue excellence with confidence and purpose.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Roxana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout my career, I have embraced hands-on experience, remained curious, and continuously sought opportunities to learn and grow. I believe that ongoing education, practical experience, and the willingness to expand my knowledge have been instrumental in helping me succeed and adapt throughout every stage of my professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to stay resilient and keep moving forward, even when challenges arise. I have learned the importance of asking questions because that is how growth and learning happen. I also believe in being a positive influence and an effective mentor, helping others succeed while fostering collaboration and optimism throughout every professional experience.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Knowledge is power. I encourage young women to educate themselves continuously, build their skills, and never stop learning. The more knowledge you gain, the more opportunities you create for yourself. Equip yourself with the tools to succeed, empower others along the way, and approach every opportunity with confidence, curiosity, and determination.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe one of the greatest opportunities in our industry is leveraging expertise across art curation, architecture, structural engineering, and construction technology to help organizations become stronger and more innovative. By integrating technical knowledge with practical experience and embracing evolving technologies such as LiDAR scanning and BIM, we can deliver greater value, solve increasingly complex challenges, and help businesses and communities continue to grow.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe in embracing challenges because every obstacle presents an opportunity to learn and improve. I value resilience, continuous learning, and having the courage to pivot when necessary in order to pursue meaningful work. Finding my passion, remaining adaptable, and making a positive difference in the lives of others are the principles that guide both my professional career and my personal life.
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